Which of the following is NOT a way pesticides can move from their target areas?

Soil absorption refers to the process by which pesticides are taken up by the soil and held in place, often binding to soil particles. This process primarily prevents them from moving away from the site of application, meaning they remain within the target area rather than dispersing to other locations.

In contrast, drift, runoff, and vaporization are all mechanisms through which pesticides can migrate away from the intended treatment zone. Drift occurs when small droplets or particles are carried away by wind, runoff involves water carrying pesticides away from their application sites during rainfall or irrigation, and vaporization occurs when pesticides transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state, allowing them to move into the atmosphere. These processes emphasize the importance of proper application techniques to minimize unintended dispersal of pesticides.